Normal Blood Donor Services

We collect blood samples from healthy volunteer donors in accordance with approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols.

We provide lab-specified collection materials, including blood bags, syringes and tubes with various anticoagulants.

We facilitate DNA extractions using the Qiagen method with appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals for human subject participation and DNA use.

Learn more about our services and internal rates.

The cost of the blood for users of the NBDS who are not employees of Scripps Research is listed below. The total charge includes payment to the donor and other expenses associated with the services such as blood donor supplies, donor testing and screenings. Please inquire about non-profit eligibility and rates.

The NBDS requires a 48 hour advance cancellation notice for all Blood Order requests. Any requests made that are not cancelled as specified will result in the investigator being charged based on the volume of blood ordered to compensate the donor for their time/travel expenses.

NBDS welcomes all healthy individuals in the community. Donors are not limited to Scripps Research colleagues.

All eligible donors are initially screened for infectious diseases prior to being enrolled in the program, and on a yearly basis after the initial screen to remain active in the program.

To apply to become a donor, please complete this application. For questions about the eligibility, please review the Frequently Asked Questions below or email us.

• Be between 18 and 75 years of age.
• Weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kg).

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19 – 39.

• Have blood pressure between 90-180 mm Hg systolic and 50-100 mm Hg diastolic.

• Not have had major surgery within the past six months.

• Have had an adequate hemoglobin on initial screening test.

• Have negative screening for HIV and Hepatitis B, C, at initial screening, and annually thereafter.

• Is not on daily aspirin or daily anti-inflammatory medications.

• No autoimmune diseases.

• Once you’ve submitted your application, a phlebotomist will contact you to schedule a screening appointment.
• During the 30-minute appointment, program requirements and forms will first be reviewed with you in order to obtain informed consent for the initial screen. Any concerns should be shared with us at this time prior to the blood draw.

• Blood will be drawn at this time for infectious disease testing, blood typing and a CBC (complete blood count).

• Once your screening results are reviewed and cleared by the program director, you will automatically be placed into the donor pool.

• In the future, a phlebotomist will contact you about donating your blood for research periodically. We appreciate donors who are reliable and have flexible availability.

If applicable, you will be paid at the time of your donation at the following rates:

The cost of the blood for users of the NBDS who are not employees of Scripps Research is listed below. The total charge includes payment to the donor and other expenses associated with the services such as blood donor supplies, donor testing and screenings. Please inquire about non-profit eligibility and rates.

The NBDS requires a 48 hour advance cancellation notice for all Blood Order requests. Any requests made that are not cancelled as specified will result in the investigator being charged based on the volume of blood ordered to compensate the donor for their time/travel expenses.

Fill out the Scripps Research NBDS Blood Donor application and submit to Scripps Research NBDS.

Blood drawing is available by appointment only on Monday – Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

This will vary according to set donating time standards and the amount of blood volume you donated during your most recent visit. If you donate a full unit of blood (~500 mL), you will not be eligible to donate again until 8 weeks after your donation. On average, the time frame between blood donations is up to 8 weeks, depending on the blood volume donated.

Your body is constantly replacing the fluid portion of your blood within 24 hours. It takes a few weeks to replace the red blood cell component of your blood.

At the time of your donating appointment, you will be shown the Blood Donor Information Form(s) for the lab(s) that will be using your blood and what studies it will be used for.

You will get paid at the time of your blood donation via a check written out to you. The amount paid is based on the volume of blood the investigator needs for that particular day.

Yes, if you take daily dosages of any anti-inflammatory (NSAID) or anti-histamines such Zyrtec, Benadryl, Claritin, etc.

Please let us know of any types of medications you may be taking at the time of submitting the application. The following medication would exclude you from donating:

• Proscar, Soriatane, Tegison, Propecia, Insulin, Avodart, Accutane.
• Medications for ADHD such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse.
• Phentermine
• Topimax
• GLP-1 medications: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound, Phentermine, Topamax, Lamictal, etc.

Always let us know about a new tattoo or piercing. Depending on what state you received the tattoo/piercing in and what equipment was used, you may have to wait up to 3 months to donate. Also, make sure your new tattoo or piercing is fully healed before donating.

Yes, always eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water prior to your appointment. Please do not fast.

Yes, if your blood pressure is within the acceptable range of 180/100. If taking medication for high blood pressure, continue to follow your primary health care provider’s instructions.